Ceremonial Staff (Kibango)
Arts of Africa
The owner of this staff, like the owners of all Luba staffs, was recognized as having supernatural powers. The Janus heads on this staff refer to Mpanga and Mbanze, twin spirits of Luba kingship whose two-way gaze suggests clairvoyance. The two pairs of horns refer to the medicine that gave the staff's owner similar supernatural powers.
MEDIUM
Wood, iron
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
61 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (155.6 x 12.1 x 3.8 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
22.211
CREDIT LINE
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1922, provenance not yet documented; by 1922, acquired by François Poncelet of Brussels, Belgium; 1922, purchased in Brussels from François Poncelet by Stewart Culin for the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Wooden staff: at top is high rectangular shape with incised geometric patterns resting on a head with carved features; below the head is a long narrow shaft that buldges out equally on two sides near the bottom. This curved form is decorated with geometric patterns and narrows down to a pointed terminal. The staff has superficial nicks and scratches overall and is in good condition. Its metal tip has fallen off and returned to staff. It could fall off again.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Luba. Ceremonial Staff (Kibango), 19th century. Wood, iron, 61 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (155.6 x 12.1 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.211. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.211_detail_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
detail, 22.211_detail_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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